Defining the Research Problem and Research Design
The most important stage of marketing research is defining the correct problem. A technically excellent study can still fail if it investigates the wrong issue. Researchers must distinguish the management decision problem from the information needed to support that decision.
Learning Objectives
- Differentiate management problems from research problems.
- Develop precise objectives, questions, and hypotheses.
- Compare exploratory, descriptive, and causal designs.
- Select a design appropriate to the decision context.
From Business Problem to Research Problem
| Management Concern | Research Question |
|---|---|
| Sales are declining. | Which customer, product, channel, and competitor factors explain the decline? |
| A new service may be launched. | What needs, usage situations, and willingness to pay exist? |
| Advertising is underperforming. | How do audiences understand, remember, and respond to the message? |
| Customer churn is increasing. | Which experiences and customer characteristics predict cancellation? |
Types of Research Design
| Design | Purpose | Typical Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Exploratory | Clarify an unclear problem and generate insight | Interviews, focus groups, observation, literature review |
| Descriptive | Measure characteristics, frequencies, or relationships | Surveys, panels, structured observation |
| Causal | Estimate whether one factor causes a change in another | Experiments, field tests, controlled trials |
Research Proposal
A research proposal normally includes background, management problem, objectives, questions, methodology, sample, analysis plan, schedule, budget, ethical controls, deliverables, and limitations.
Class Sessions
1- Introduction to Marketing and Customer Value
2- Market Research Fundamentals
3- Introduction to Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC)
4- Digital Marketing Strategy Fundamentals
5- Introduction to Marketing Research
6- International Marketing Fundamentals
7- Introduction to Strategic Marketing Management
8- Marketing Evolution and Core Concepts
9- Consumer Behaviour Analysis
10- Marketing Communication Process
11- Website Strategy, UX and Conversion Optimization
12- Defining the Research Problem and Research Design
13- Global Market Entry Strategies
14- Marketing Environment and Strategic Situation Analysis
15- Customer Needs, Wants and Demands
16- Competitive Analysis and Market Positioning
17- Advertising Strategy and Planning
18- Search Engine Optimization and Search Marketing
19- Secondary Data and Competitive Intelligence
20- International Consumer Behaviour
21- Market Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning Strategy
22- The Marketing Environment
23- Digital Brand Management
24- Media Planning and Buying
25- Social Media Strategy and Community Management
26- Qualitative Research Methods
27- Global Branding and Positioning
28- Competitive Strategy and Value Proposition Design
29- Customer Value and Satisfaction
30- Customer Experience Management
31- Digital Advertising & Social Media Marketing
32- Email, Mobile and Marketing Automation
33- Quantitative Research and Survey Design
34- International Pricing and Distribution
35- Growth Strategies and Marketing Innovation
36- Marketing Process and Strategy
37- Innovation and Product Improvement
38- Content Marketing Strategy
39- E-Commerce Strategy and Online Retail Operations
40- Sampling Design and Fieldwork Management
41- International Marketing Communications
42- Strategic Product, Pricing and Channel Decisions
43- The Marketing Mix (4Ps)
44- Brand Communication Strategy
45- Public Relations & Corporate Communication
46- Digital Customer Journey, CRM and Personalization
47- Consumer Behaviour and the Buyer Decision Process
48- Cross-Cultural Negotiation and Relationship Management
49- Strategic Marketing Communications and Brand Alignment
50- Relationship Marketing and Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
51- Marketing Performance Metrics and Analytics
52- Sales Promotion & Direct Marketing
53- Marketing Technology, Data and Privacy
54- Segmentation, Personas and Customer Insight
55- International Marketing Research
56- Marketing Implementation, Organization and Control
57- Ethics and Social Responsibility in Marketing
58- Future Trends in Marketing and Product Management
59- Measuring Advertising Effectiveness & Marketing Analytics
60- Digital Analytics, Attribution and Performance Optimization
61- Data Analysis, Interpretation and Marketing Dashboards
62- Managing Risks in International Marketing
63- Marketing Performance Measurement and Strategic Evaluation
64- Module 1 Case Study and Practical Review
65- Module 5 Case Study and Practical Assessment
66- Developing an Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Campaign Plan
67- Developing a Complete Digital Marketing and E-Commerce Plan
68- Preparing and Presenting a Marketing Research Report
69- Developing a Complete International Marketing Plan
70- Developing a Complete Strategic Marketing Plan
71- Introduction to Marketing Research
72- Marketing Information Systems (MIS)
73- Research Design and Planning
74- Primary Data Collection Methods
75- Secondary Data Sources
76- Consumer Behavior Fundamentals
77- Consumer Decision-Making Process
78- Factors Influencing Consumer Behavior
79- Market Segmentation Through Consumer Insights
80- Module 2 Case Study and Practical Review
81- Introduction to Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning (STP)
82- Market Segmentation Strategies
83- Evaluating Market Segments
84- Target Market Selection
85- Positioning Strategies
86- Creating a Value Proposition
87- Developing Positioning Maps
88- Competitive Positioning
89- STP Strategy in the Digital Age
90- Module 3 Case Study & Practical Review
91- Introduction to Product Strategy
92- Product Life Cycle
93- New Product Development (NPD)
94- Product Portfolio Management
95- Branding Fundamentals
96- Brand Identity and Brand Image
97- Brand Equity and Brand Loyalty
98- Brand Positioning and Brand Architecture
99- Digital Brand Management
100- Module 4 Case Study & Practical Review